James Kubaney

James E. Kubaney, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Thursday July 6, 2017 in Erie, Pennsylvania.  He was born in Erie on April 29, 1943 to the late Charles and Nellie Kubaney.

Jim graduated from Cathedral Preparatory School in 1961, where he lettered both in football as a fullback and then as a tackle, and in baseball as a catcher.  He was the first member of his family to attend college, beginning at St. Joseph’s College in Indiana and then graduating from Gannon University, where he later earned his Master’s degree.  Following graduation, he began a lifelong career as a history teacher.  After student teaching at East High School for one year, he spent thirty-five years at Fairview High School, until his retirement in 2002.  His sometimes unorthodox but effective teaching style left a lasting impression on his students (none of his students will forget how President McKinley was shot, after an in-class demonstration).  While at Fairview, Jim coached football, wrestling and baseball.  He was fond of playing Santa over several decades to the children of school district employees and at other area venues.

In his sophomore year of college, he married the love of his life, Judy May, on August 14, 1965 at St. Patrick’s Church in Erie, PA.  Together they set a wonderful example for their three children by fulfilling their marriage vows to support each other “in sickness and in health.”  Their 50^th wedding anniversary celebration was a special time with family that they cherished.

In the summers, Jim operated a highly successful residential painting business.  He had lifelong loyal clients because of his work ethic, professionalism and attention to detail.  He was proud that all three of his children worked with him in his business.  Jim also shared his love for baseball by serving as a rec-league and American Legion baseball coach for over a decade and a half.  He taught his players the value of hard work and discipline and of never giving up.  Jim had a passion for hunting and fishing which he shared with family and friends over many years.  No one could last longer in inclement weather than Jim.

In his retirement years, Jim developed a passion for nature and wildlife photography.  He was fond of giving lectures on various photographic themes, such as roadside wildflowers and black bears, to garden clubs and many independent and assisted living facility residents.  He and his wife Judy shared a love of growing flowers and plants and they spent many hours together cultivating their yard.  In their retirement years, they took many long rides to enjoy the simple beauty of nature and they shared the joy of attending all of their grandchildren’s sporting and scholastic events, and the occasional boat ride on Lake Chautauqua.

Jim was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church and his faith in God and trust in Christ survived the many physical challenges he overcame.  His persistence in his faith to the very end will always be remembered by his family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Nellie Kubaney, a sister-in-law Linda Kubaney, and a brother-in-law Robert Adams.  His is survived by his loving wife of fifty one years, Judith J. (May) Kubaney; two sons, James M. Kubaney and his wife Shelley of Fairview, and Jeffrey S. Kubaney and his wife Holly of Austin, Texas; a daughter, Jana M. Slater and her husband Jeff of Millcreek; a brother, Tom Kubaney and his wife Lois of Fort Myers, Florida; two sisters Barbara Adams of Marco Island, Florida, and Kathy DeDionisio and her husband Bill of Wattsburg; grandsons, Andrew Kubaney, Jacob Slater, William Kubaney, Jack Kubaney, Sam Kubaney and Alex Kubaney; and granddaughters Elizabeth Kubaney and Madeline Slater. 

The family would like to thank all of the nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers who provided loving care and a brought a smile to Jim’s face over the years.  We will be forever grateful to those caregivers at Saint Vincent Hospital, Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, The Regional Cancer Center, Great Lakes Hospice, and Healthsouth.  Jim felt the presence of God during his many physical trials thanks to the persistent prayers of the Benedictine Sisters and Sisters of Saint Joseph.  The family is also thankful for the many neighborhood friends and other lifelong friends who provided support when it was most needed.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday July 9th from 2pm to 6pm at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26^th Street, Erie, PA 16506.  His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Monday July 10^th at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 W. 38^th St.  Private interment will follow at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cathedral Preparatory School, 225 West 9^th Street, Erie, PA 16501.  Jim would have wanted us to thank all of his classmates and other members of the Prep family who took the time to call him or send a card.  Roll Ramblers!